France

Ch. Canon

Croix Canon Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

A blend of 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Croix Canon has a pH of 3.42 and is deep garnet-purple in color. It pops from the glass with vibrant notes of redcurrants and raspberries, with an undercurrent of tilled soil, fresh blackberries, and black pepper. The medium-bodied palate is light on it feet and lively, with compelling poise and a soft-spoken finish.

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Beautifully fragrant, fresh, crunchy, juicy, anis, fennel, cut herbs, well judged ripe fruits, good balance. Merlot harvest September 6 to October 4 (interesting to note this, as many had finished the Merlot very early, and Cabernet Franc to October 3). 27% new oak for ageing, and yields of 45hl/h. 3.42ph.

Inside Bordeaux

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored. Notes of stewed red plums, mulberries, and damp soil slowly emerge from the glass, plus hints of tar and sautéed herbs. The medium-bodied palate is soft, bright, and refreshing while a little thin on mid-palate intensity and short on finish.

The 2022 Croix Canon, 59% Cabernet Franc and 41% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes skipping out with vibrant notes of black raspberries, kirsch, and fresh blackberries, leading to wafts of lavender, underbrush, and camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is light on its feet and wonderfully refreshing, featuring bags of bold red berry layers and a very soft texture, finishing long and peppery.

A blend of 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Croix Canon is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. Scents of ripe red cherries, fresh strawberries, and cranberries pop from the glass, plus suggestions of bay leaves, pencil lead, and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is bright and breezy, with zippy red berry flavors and a lively line of freshness, framed by lightly chewy tannins, and finishing with a compelling lift.

There is a high proportion of Cabernet Franc for this wine, because the Merlot was more impacted by the season conditions. Chalky tannins, really feel the sense of place, 40hl/h yield, 30% new oak. An excellent wine that has a touch of peat and spice, a ton or dason puree, raspberry coulis, fresh and zingy, and the mandarin peel, an edge of bitterness on the finish. Black chocolate, cocoa shavings.

The 2019 Croix Canon, made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries, and violets jump from the glass followed by wafts of cedar and Indian spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is soft and generous, with lovely harmony and a fragrant finish.

One of my (relative) value buys of the year on this showing. Bright, vivacious, creamy fruits that expand through the mid palate, great freshness and acidity that speak of the location just on the edge of the limestone plateau. A brilliant 2nd wine. 25% new oak.

Category	Red wine
Vinmonopolet no.
Producer	Ch. Canon
Vintages	2023
Country	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bottle	75 cl

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Sugar	g/l

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